A five-blade composite propeller option from Hartzell Propeller is now being offered on Daher's Kodiak 100 –for both new-production aircraft and as a retrofit.

Announced today at the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo, this option enhances the turboprop-powered Kodiak 100's performance and further improves its sustainability. The new propeller configuration will be 6.3 dB quieter and 13 lbs. lighter than the current four-blade metal propeller version, while reducing the aircraft's takeoff roll by six percent at maximum gross weight.

At maximum torque, the five-blade propeller turns at 2,000 rpm, which is 200 rpm slower than the current metal propeller configuration. In addition to reducing vibration aboard the aircraft, the new propeller lowers the Kodiak 100's flyover noise to 77 dB(A) below the European EASA and German LBA authority's stringent 78 dB(A) requirement.

“As an already-recognized reference in the STOL (short takeoff and landing) and multi-mission categories, the Kodiak 100 will be even more capable and quieter with the Hartzell five-blade composite propeller option,” said Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of Daher's Aircraft Division.

Hartzell tailored the new propeller for its application on the Kodiak 100 and incorporated the company's lightweight Raptor hub technology. The 96-inch-diameter propeller has a ground clearance of 19 inches, retaining the Kodiak 100's ability to operate from unprepared strips.

The new propeller will be available as an option on new-production Kodiak 100 Series III aircraft with deliveries beginning in June. The retrofit option for all in-service Kodiak 100s is offered via the Hartzell Top Prop program.